Everything began with a presentation about Andean bears in Lima in 1996. I was a kid, and I was left with an unforgettable impression of Andean bears: the place they lived, the distinctive white marks in their faces, and their preference to eat fruit. I was also struck by the loss of their habitat and the illegal trade that was affecting the bear population in Peru.

Science Blog

Over the fall, I engaged in an independent study project while enrolled in the Advanced Inquiry Program through San Diego Zoo Global and Miami University. I believe this semester was one of the most transformative for me as a graduate student, even though at times it felt like I was going...